A New Direction: Transthoracic esophagectomy (Ivor Lewis)

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@sjw6358, I'll add my thumbs up along with @dave640. This is good news after your detour that you wrote about here:
- esophageal cancer recovery detour https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-cancer-recovery-detour/

Several members in this support group have had transthoracic esophagectomy, also known as an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. You can read some stories here to help you as you recover:
- Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophagectomy-surgery/
- Oesophageal tumour: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/oesophageal-tumour/

Thinking of you as you have surgery today. I look forward to your update when you're able to post.

I hope your surgery went well and that you recover quickly.

I just had Ivor Lewis not bad God pulled me thru and gave me a great surgeon.I am eating with caution and didn’t need feeding tube.U R in my prayers Rik.

I had Ivor Lewis surgery last Monday. Hoping to get the orders to leave tomorrow...bloodwork good, all tunes are out, eating full liquid diet now but changing to solid food for dinner tonight...thank you all for words of encoragemen...staff at trinity health very good.

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Esophagus surgery isn’t too bad. After surgery learn to eat slow take small bites and chew well.You will be eating smaller meals but more often.I am praying God gives you great peace.Rik Lakeland Fla.

I had Ivor Lewis Feb 2.Ian doing fine lost 26 lbs. but that was a blessing.I was in the hospital 8 days not bad.Put your faith in God he will guide you .You will be eating less but that is ok .Rik Lakeland Fla.

I had surgery on Feb 20 2023. I went home on March 1. That night I had a breathing problem and went back to hospital. I had another operation on March 4 when the y fount a leak. They detached my stomach and esophagus cut a fistula for spit and put a feeding tube. I almost died. From the ice I was on the main floor. They had me on oxy and delodid for 3 weeks until I screamed to get off. I gained 42 pounds of fluid. Then I talked with a minister for 2 hours. He gave me a new direction of hope. I starting to drop the fluid and in 4 days I was feeling better. Right after they moved me ro the release floor and I got up and walked. They released me to a long term rehab where I am now on 4/10/23. It is a slow comeback but I am feeling better and hope to be home in 2 weeks where I continue to mend and get stronger for the next surgery to move everything back.

That is rough, sjw.